No filter no run fluid filter with integration of low pressure fluid system

ABSTRACT

A no filter no run (NFNR) fluid filter and fluid filter assembly are provided. The NFNR fluid filter assembly includes a fluid filter, a filter head or filter housing, and a bypass flow path. The bypass flow path may be sealed off when a compliant filter is installed. When a non-compliant filter is installed (a filter without a bypass seal), fluid may flow to the bypass flow path.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/912,303, filed Feb. 16, 2016, which is the U.S. national phase of PCTApplication No. PCT/US2014/051117, filed Aug. 14, 2014, which claimspriority to and the benefit of Indian Patent Application No.4479/CHE/2013, filed Oct. 3, 2013 and Indian Patent Application No.3664/CHE/2013, filed Aug. 19, 2013, the entire disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to a fluid filtrationsystem for an internal combustion engine. More specifically, theembodiments relate to a no filter no run (NFNR) fluid filter on a lowpressure side fluid filtration system of an engine.

BACKGROUND

A filter element in a fluid filtration system is often designed withspecific filtration efficiency requirements. Accordingly, the filter isgenerally designed to meet such requirements. An incorrect filter oftenmay fit the application, but may not meet the specific filtrationefficiency requirements. As a result, the use of an incorrect filter ina fluid filtration system can lead to premature engine failure and, insome instances, increased warranty claims. A no filter no run (NFNR)feature can be included in a filter housing, the feature preventing flowof fluid to an engine or fuel injection system if: (1) no filter isinstalled, or if (2) an incorrect filter is installed, Accordingly, in asystem incorporating an NFNR feature, to provide a sufficient amount offluid to the engine, the correct filter must be installed.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to a fluid filtrationsystem for an internal combustion engine. More specifically, theembodiments relate to a no filter no run (NFNR) fluid filter on a lowpressure side fluid filtration system of an engine.

In some embodiments, a fluid filtration system having an NFNR fluidfilter includes a fuel filtration system (e.g., for a diesel or gasolineengine, etc.), a hydraulic fluid filtration system, an oil filtrationsystem, an air filtration system, a water filtration system, or othersimilar fluid filtration system. The fluid filtration system may, insome embodiments, include applications in which the filtration system isan engine application as well as in a filtration system that is not anengine application.

In some embodiments, an NFNR fluid filter may be integrated with a lowpressure side fuel water separator or fuel filter. The NFNR fluid filtermay make it easier to prime a fuel system. In some embodiments, the NFNRfluid filter may improve air venting in a fuel system.

In some embodiments, a filter head or filter housing includes a bypassport. The bypass port may be connected in fluid communication with afluid pump, a fluid tank, or a fluid return line. A correct fluid filterincludes a bypass seal, which when installed to the filter head orfilter housing may prevent fluid from flowing to the bypass loop. Inother words, when a filter is installed with a bypass seal it plugs orseals the bypass loop. When a filter having a bypass seal is installed,the bypass seal is in sealing engagement with a surface of the filterhead or filter housing. The sealing engagement may prevent fluid fromflowing to the bypass loop.

In some embodiments, the bypass port may be connected in fluidcommunication with an inlet of a fluid transfer pump (e.g., a lowpressure fuel pump, etc.). In some embodiments, the bypass port may beconnected in fluid communication with a fluid return line (e.g., fuelreturn line, etc.). In some embodiments, the bypass port may beconnected in fluid communication with a fluid tank (e.g., fuel tank,etc.).

In some embodiments, a bypass seal is added to a filter such that, wheninstalled, a seal may be formed between the filter and the filter heador housing that prevents fluid flow through the bypass port. When afilter with the bypass seal feature is installed, fluid may be unable toflow from the bypass port and the fluid may flow toward a high pressurepump. The sealed bypass port may allow fluid to flow at a sufficientflow rate and pressure to the high pressure pump such that a connectedengine may be started and/or run.

In some embodiments, when a filter without the bypass seal feature isinstalled, the bypass loop may not be sealed and a portion of the fuelwill flow out of the bypass port toward a fluid transfer pump, a fluidtank, or a fluid return line. In such embodiments, the pressure and flowrate of the fluid flowing to the high pressure pump may be insufficientto start and/or run the engine.

In some embodiments, an open endplate and dual seal may be injectionmolded and may be molded in one piece.

In some embodiments, a bypass seal may be added to a filter housing suchthat, when a correct filter is installed, a seal may be formed betweenthe filter and the filter housing that prevents fluid flow through thebypass port. In some embodiments, a bypass seal may be added to a filterhead such that, when a correct filter is installed, a seal may be formedbetween the filter and the filter housing that prevents fluid flowthrough the bypass port. In other embodiments, a bypass seal may beadded to a standpipe in order to prevent fluid flow through the bypassport when a correct filter is installed.

According to one embodiment, a fluid filter including a filter mediahaving a filtered fluid side and an unfiltered fluid side, a first endplate, a second end plate, and a bypass seal is provided. The filtermedia is disposed between the first end plate and the second end plate.The fluid filter is configured to be engaged with a filter head orfilter housing. The filter head or filter housing may include a bypassflow outlet, and the bypass seal may be configured to block fluid flowto the bypass flow outlet when the fluid filter is engaged with thefilter head or filter housing. The filter media may be cylindrical. Thefluid filter includes an internal seal configured to seal against thefilter head or filter housing and separate an unfiltered fluid from afiltered fluid. The internal seal is located on the first endplate. Thefluid filter may further include an air vent valve configured to ventair from the fluid filter. The bypass seal may be located on the firstendplate. The second end plate may be a closed end plate. The first endplate may include a filtered fluid outlet.

According to another embodiment, a fluid filter assembly including afluid filter and a filter head is provided. The fluid filter includes afilter media having a filtered fluid side and an unfiltered fluid side,a first end plate, a second end plate, and a bypass seal. The filterhead includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a bypass flow passage.The filter media is disposed between the first end plate and the secondend plate. The fluid filter is configured to engage the filter head. Thebypass seal is configured to block fluid flow to the bypass flow passagewhen the fluid filter is engaged with the filter head. The fluid filtermay further include an internal seal configured to seal against thefilter head and separate an unfiltered fluid from a filtered fluid. Theinternal seal may be located on the first endplate. The fluid filterassembly may further include an air vent valve configured to vent airfrom the fluid filter assembly. The bypass seal may be located on thefirst endplate. The second end plate may be a closed end plate. Thefirst end plate may include a filtered fluid outlet configured to supplyfiltered fluid to the fluid outlet of the filter head. The fluid filterassembly may include a filter housing configured to engage the filterhead and enclose the fluid filter. The fluid outlet may be configured tosupply filtered fuel to an engine. The bypass flow path may beconfigured to supply a bypass fluid flow to at least one of a fuel tankor a fuel transfer pump. The fluid filter may be a fuel filter, and thebypass flow path may be configured such that in the absence of a correctfluid filter with a bypass seal the amount of fuel that flows throughthe fluid outlet is insufficient to start or run an engine. The fluidfilter may be a fuel filter, and the bypass flow path may be configuredsuch that when the bypass seal blocks fuel flow through the bypass flowpath the amount of fuel that flows through the fluid outlet issufficient to start or run an engine.

According to one embodiment a fluid filter cartridge including a filtermedia having a filtered fluid side and an unfiltered fluid side, a firstend plate, a second end plate, and a bypass seal. The filter media maybe cylindrical and disposed between the first end plate and the secondend plate. The fluid filter is configured to be disposed within a filterhousing including a bypass flow outlet. The bypass seal is configured toblock fluid flow to the bypass flow outlet when the fluid filter isdisposed in the filter housing. The fluid filter cartridge may furtherinclude an internal seal. The internal seal may be disposed on the firstend plate, and the bypass seal may be disposed on the second end plate.The fluid filter cartridge may further include a center tube extendingbetween the first endplate and the second endplate. The center tube mayinclude the bypass seal. The first endplate may include an openingconfigured to engage a standpipe of the filter housing. The firstendplate may be a closed endplate and the bypass seal may be disposed onan internal surface of the first endplate. The fluid filter cartridgemay further include a drain seal configured to block fluid flow to adrain of the filter housing when the fluid filter is disposed in thefilter housing.

According to another embodiment a fluid filter assembly including afluid filter cartridge and a filter housing is provided. The fluidfilter cartridge includes a filter media having a filtered fluid sideand an unfiltered fluid side, a first end plate, a second end plate, anda bypass seal. The filter housing includes a housing cover, a housingbase, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a bypass flow outlet. Thefilter media may be cylindrical and disposed between the first end plateand the second end plate. The fluid filter cartridge may be configuredto be disposed within the filter housing. The bypass seal may beconfigured to block fluid flow to the bypass flow outlet when the fluidfilter is disposed in the filter housing. The housing base may furtherinclude a standpipe. The standpipe may include the bypass flow path anda fluid outflow path configured to supply fluid flow to the fluidoutlet. The standpipe may include tapered walls configured to engage thebypass seal. The housing base may further include a drain outlet, andthe fluid filter cartridge may further include a drain seal. Thestandpipe may include a plurality of apertures forming a drain outlet.The filter housing may further include a plurality of structures, andthe filter cartridge may further include a plurality of surfacesconfigured to engage the plurality of structures such that the fluidfilter cartridge is properly located within the filter housing. Thefluid outlet may be configured to supply filtered fuel to an engine. Thebypass flow path may be configured to supply a bypass fluid flow to atleast one of a fuel tank or a fuel transfer pump. The fluid filter maybe a fuel filter, and the bypass flow path may be configured such thatin the absence of a correct fluid filter with a bypass seal the amountof fuel that flows through the fluid outlet is insufficient to start orrun an engine. The fluid filter may be a fuel filter, and the bypassflow path may be configured such that when the bypass seal blocks fuelflow through the bypass flow path the amount of fuel that flows throughthe fluid outlet is sufficient to start or run an engine. The housingbase may be configured to connect to the housing cover by a threadedconnection, and a leak seal may be disposed between the housing base andthe housing cover.

According to one embodiment a fluid filter including a filter mediahaving a filtered fluid side and an unfiltered fluid side, a first endplate, a second end plate, a bypass seal, an outer shell closed at afirst end, and a nutplate disposed at an open end of the outer shell isprovided. The filter media is disposed between the first end plate andthe second end plate. The fluid filter is configured to be engaged witha filter head, the filter head including a bypass flow outlet. Thebypass seal is configured to block fluid flow to the bypass flow outletwhen the fluid filter is engaged with the filter head. The fluid filtermay further include a spring to maintain a desired location of thefilter media within the fluid filter. The fluid filter may furtherinclude a leak seal configured to engage the filter head. The fluidfilter may further include a center tube extending between the first endplate and the second end plate. The nutplate may include a firstplurality of apertures and a second plurality of apertures, wherein thefirst plurality of apertures are fluid inlets, the second plurality ofapertures are fluid outlets, and the second plurality of apertures arelocated radially inward from the first plurality of apertures. The fluidfilter may further include an internal seal disposed on the nutplateconfigured to seal against a surface of the filter head and separatefiltered fluid from unfiltered fluid. The bypass seal may be disposed onthe nutplate radially inward form the internal seal.

According to another embodiment, a fluid filter assembly including afluid filter and a filter head is provided. The fluid filter includes afilter media having a filtered fluid side and an unfiltered fluid side,a first end plate, a second end plate, a bypass seal, an outer shellclosed at a first end, and a nutplate disposed at an open end of theouter shell. The filter head includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, anda bypass flow outlet. The filter media is disposed between the first endplate and the second end plate. The fluid filter is configured to engagewith the filter head, and the bypass seal may be configured to blockfluid flow to the bypass flow outlet when the fluid filter is engagedwith the filter head. The filter head may further include a mountingboss configured to connect to the nutplate. The mounting boss may bethreadably connected to the nutplate. The fluid outlet may be configuredto supply filtered fuel to an engine. The bypass flow path may beconfigured to supply a bypass fluid flow to at least one of a fuel tankor a fuel transfer pump. The fluid filter may be a fuel filter, and thebypass flow path may be configured such that in the absence of a correctfluid filter with a bypass seal the amount of fuel that flows throughthe fluid outlet is insufficient to start or run an engine. The fluidfilter may be a fuel filter, and the bypass flow path may be configuredsuch that when the bypass seal blocks fuel flow through the bypass flowpath the amount of fuel that flows through the fluid outlet issufficient to start or run an engine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part ofthis disclosure, and which illustrate the embodiments in which thesystems and methods described in this Specification can be practiced.

FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid filtration system including a no filter norun (NFNR) filter with a bypass loop, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a filter configured for use in the NFNR fluid filterassembly of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a filter configured for use in the NFNR fluid filterassembly of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed view of the NFNR, fluid filterassembly of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a filter cartridge for use in an NFNR fuel filtrationsystem, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates an NFNR fluid filter assembly including the filtercartridge shown in FIG. 5 having a bypass seal, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates the NFNR fluid filter assembly of FIG. 6 including afilter cartridge that lacks a bypass seal, according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate side cross-sectional views of an NFNR fluidfilter assembly including a filter housing with an installed fluidfilter, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the fluid filter ofFIGS. 8A and 8B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the standpipe of FIG.8, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate side cross-sectional views of an NFNR fluidfilter assembly including a filter housing with an installed fluidfilter, according to other embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an NFNR fluid filterassembly including a filter housing with an installed fluid filter,according to yet other embodiments.

FIGS. 13 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an NFNR fluid filterassembly including a filter head and a fluid filter, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the filter head ofFIG. 13, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the fluid filter ofFIG. 13, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the fluid filter of FIG. 13, accordingto some embodiments.

Like reference numbers represent like parts throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to a fluid filtrationsystem for an internal combustion engine. More specifically, theembodiments relate to a no filter no run (NFNR) fluid filter on a lowpressure side fluid filtration system of an engine.

An NFNR fluid filtration system including a bypass loop is provided. AnNFNR filter may include a bypass seal. A filter head or filter housingmay include a surface for receiving the bypass seal in sealingengagement. When the filter is installed in the NFNR fluid filtrationsystem, the bypass seal may prevent a bypass loop from receiving fluidvia a bypass port. The bypass loop may be in fluid communication with afluid transfer pump, a return fluid line, or a fluid tank. When thebypass loop is sealed, the fluid pressure and flow rate of the fluid toa high pressure pump may be sufficient to start and run an engine. Whena filter without the bypass seal is installed, the bypass loop remainsin fluid communication with the filter. Accordingly, the bypass loopreceives some portion of the fluid. As a result, the fluid pressure andflow rate of the fluid to the high pressure pump may be insufficient tostart and run the connected engine.

In the various embodiments described herein, the bypass seal may belocated on or within a fluid filter, a fluid filter housing, a fluidfilter head, a standpipe, or other component of a fluid filter assembly.Further, the location of the bypass seal on or within each component mayvary. For example, the bypass seal may be located on an end portion of astandpipe in some embodiments and in a central portion of a standpipe inother embodiments.

A fuel filtration system and corresponding fuel filters are discussed byway of example herein. The embodiments, aspects, and concepts describedmay apply to fluid filtration systems other than fuel filtration. Otherfiltration systems, fir example, include oil filtration, hydraulic fluidfiltration, coolant filtration, or the like.

A “compliant filter” may be, for example, a fluid filter configured toseal a bypass flow path, In some embodiments, a compliant filter mayinclude a bypass seal. A compliant filter may also be referred to as acorrect filter.

A “non-compliant filter” may be, for example, a fluid filter that is notconfigured to seal a bypass flow path. In some embodiments, anon-compliant filter may not include a bypass seal, A non-compliantfilter may also be referred to as an incorrect filter.

FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid filtration system 100 including a no filterno run (NFNR) fluid filter assembly 105 including a bypass loop 110,according to some embodiments. The NFNR fluid filter assembly 105includes a filter 107 and a filter head 115. The filter head 115 mayalso represent a filter housing. The filter 107 may, fear example,represent a fuel filter, A fuel filter may filter hydrocarbon basedfuels (e.g., diesel fuel, etc.). The filter head 115 includes a bypassport 117 to connect the NFNR fluid filter assembly 105 to the bypassloop 110.

The filter 107 may include a bypass seal (discussed in further detail inaccordance with FIGS. 2-7 below). The bypass seal may prevent fluid fromflowing through the bypass port 117 to the bypass loop 110. If a filteris installed that does not include the bypass seal, some portion of thefluid flowing through the filter 107 may flow through the bypass loop.If fluid is flowing through the bypass loop, the pressure and flow rateof the fluid flowing to a high pressure pump (not shown in FIG. 1) maybe insufficient for operation of an engine. In some embodiments, thehigh pressure pump may not be connected to an engine, in which case thepressure and flow rate are insufficient for operation of the connectedsystem.

The bypass loop 110 may be connected to the inlet of pump 120, a returnfluid line 125, or a fluid tank 130.

The pump 120 is a low pressure fluid transfer pump for providing fluidat a low pressure to the NFNR fluid filter assembly 105.

FIG. 2 illustrates a filter 200 configured for use in the NFNR fluidfilter assembly 105 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. The filter200 includes a bypass seal 205, an internal seal 210, and a filter media215.

The bypass seal 205 may be configured such that when installed to theNFNR fluid filter assembly 105, the bypass seal 205 is in sealingengagement with a surface of the filter head 115. As illustrated, thefilter 200 is a spin-on filter. The filter 200 may include a variety offilter types. For example, in some embodiments, the fuel filter 215 maybe a cartridge filter, a filter-in-filter, or other similar type offilter.

The internal seal 210 may be configured to prevent mixing of a filteredand an unfiltered fluid.

FIG. 3 illustrates a filter 300 configured for use in the NFNR fluidfilter assembly 105 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. Aspects ofFIG. 3 may be the same as or similar to aspects of FIG. 2. In additionto a bypass seal 205, an internal seal 210, and a filter media 215, thefilter 300 includes a floating valve 320 at the interface between thefilter 300 and the bypass port 117. The floating valve 320 may be openwhen pressurized fluid is not in the system. The floating valve 320allows air to escape as the fluid pressure increases, which can provideadditional air venting. In some embodiments, this may reduce air in thefluid filtration system. When pressurized fluid fills up the pocket, thefloat will move up and seal the air venting hole. In addition toallowing air to escape, the floating valve 320 may make it easier toprime the system by allowing the addition of fluid from the top prior topressurizing the fluid filtration system.

FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed view of the NFNR fluid filterassembly 105 shown in FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. Aspects ofFIG. 4 may be the same as or similar to aspects of FIGS. 1-3. The filterhead 115 is illustrated with the filter 200 (FIG. 2) installed. Thefilter head 115 includes the bypass port 117. The bypass port 117connects the NFNR fluid filter assembly 105 in fluid communication withthe bypass loop 110. As illustrated, a filter with the bypass seal 205is installed. Accordingly, as illustrated, the bypass loop 110 is sealedoff from the NFNR fluid filter assembly 105.

FIG. 5 illustrates a filter cartridge 500 for use in an NFNR fuelfiltration system, according to some embodiments. The filter cartridge500 includes a closed endplate 505A and an open endplate 505B. Thefilter cartridge 500 includes a filter media 515. The filter media 515is designed to remove unwanted contaminants from the fluid beingfiltered. The filter cartridge 500 includes a bypass seal 510. In someembodiments, the bypass seal 510 may be an O-ring, radial seal, or othersuitable type of seal to prevent fluid flow. The bypass seal 510 isadded inside the closed endplate 505A. When installed in a NFNR fluidfiltration system, the bypass seal 510 may prevent fluid communicationwith a bypass loop (not shown in FIG. 5). An exemplary bypass loop isdiscussed in accordance with FIGS. 6 and 7 below.

FIG. 6 illustrates an NFNR fluid filter assembly 600 including thefilter cartridge 500 (FIG. 5) having the bypass seal 510, according tosome embodiments. The NFNR fluid filter assembly 600 includes a bypassloop 605. As illustrated, the bypass loop 605 is located in the centerof the filter housing 610. A center post 615 provides a sealing surface.When installed, the bypass seal 510 of the filter cartridge 500 is insealing engagement with the seating surface of the center post 615. Thefilter housing 610 includes two flow paths. A first flow path 620A is inthe bypass loop 605. The first flow path 620A may provide fuel to a fueltank (not shown in FIG. 6), a fuel transfer pump (not shown in FIG. 6),or a return fuel line (not shown in FIG. 6). A second flow path 620B mayprovide fluid to a high pressure pump (not shown). When the filtercartridge 500 having the bypass seal 510 is installed in the filterhousing 610, the bypass seal 510 prevents fluid communication with thebypass loop 605. Accordingly, fluid can flow through the second path620B to the high pressure pump at a fluid pressure and fluid flow ratethat is sufficient for normal operation of an engine.

FIG. 7 illustrates the NFNR fluid filter assembly 600 including a filtercartridge 705 that lacks a bypass seal, according to some embodiments.Aspects of FIG. 7 may be the same as or similar to aspects of FIG. 6.FIG. 7 shows fluid flow through the first flow path 620A and the secondflow path 620B. Fluid is able to flow via the first flow path 620A andthe second flow path 620B because a filter cartridge 705 is installedthat does not include a bypass seal. Because the filter cartridge 705does not include a bypass seal, the bypass loop 605 receives someportion of the fluid being filtered. Accordingly, the fluid may not beprovided to the high pressure pump at a sufficient pressure and flowrate for operation of the engine.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an NFNR fluid filter assembly 800 including afilter housing 802 with an installed fluid filter 805, according to someembodiments. The fluid filter 805 is a cartridge type fluid filter andmay, for example, be referred to as a filter cartridge. Generally, theNFNR fluid filter assembly 800 is configured and arranged such that whena non-compliant filter (e.g., lacking a bypass seal, etc.) is installed,a fluid output from the filter housing 802 is at a pressure and flowrate that are insufficient to, for example, run an internal combustionengine. A flow path of the fluid being filtered in the NFNR fluid filterassembly 800 is determined based on whether a compliant or anon-compliant filter is installed. A flow path of the fluid beingfiltered in the NFNR fluid filter assembly 800 may also be determinedbased on whether a compliant filter is in an installed position or anuninstalled position.

As illustrated, the NFNR fluid filter assembly 800 may be used forremoving a contaminant (e.g., solid particulates, water, etc.) from fuel(e.g., diesel fuel, etc.) before outputting the fuel to a high pressurepump (not shown) and consequently injecting the fuel into a combustionchamber of an internal combustion engine (not shown). Aspects of theNFNR fluid filter assembly 800 may be included in a fluid filtrationsystem other than a fuel filtration system, such as oil filtration,hydraulic fluid filtration, coolant filtration, or the like. The NFNRfluid filter assembly 800 may be configured for use in applications thatinclude an internal combustion engine as well as in applications that donot include an internal combustion engine.

The filter housing 802 includes a housing cover 802A and a housing base802B. In some embodiments, a filter housing may also be referred to as afilter head. As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the housing cover 802Aand the housing base 802B may be securely connected, thereby creating aninner chamber in which the fluid filter 805 may receive an unfilteredfluid and output a filtered fluid. The housing cover 802A and thehousing base 802B are threaded to form the secure connection. Thehousing cover 802A may be securely connected to the housing base 802B byother similar means, for example, with clips, screws, or other similarmeans of forming a secure connection that may be removed in order to,for example, remove and/or replace the fluid filter 805. A housing seal815 is disposed at the interconnection between the housing cover 802Aand the housing base 802B in order to prevent environmental contaminants(e.g., dirt, grease, rainwater, etc.) from entering the filter housing802 and to prevent the fluid being filtered from leaking out of thefilter housing 802. The housing seal 815 may, for example, be an O-ring,a radial seal, or the like.

The housing cover 802A includes a plurality of structures 850. Theplurality of structures 850 are configured and arranged to provide aforce to a plurality of surfaces 950 on a closed endplate of the fluidfilter 805. The three may ensure that the fluid filter 805 is installedin the proper location when the housing cover 802A and the housing base802B are securely connected.

The fluid filter 805 includes a filter media 905, the closed endplate910A, an open endplate 910B, a bypass seal 915A, and a drain seal 915B.The fluid filter 805 may include additional features in someembodiments. For example, the closed endplate 910A may include anaperture to bleed gas (e.g., remove air from the fluid filtrationsystem, etc.) from the NFNR fluid filter assembly 800. The fluid filteris described in additional detail in accordance with FIG. 9 below.

A standpipe 820 extends along the central axis of the fluid filter 805.The standpipe 820 includes a filtered fluid outflow path 825 and abypass flow path 830. The bypass flow path 830 may also be referred toas a bypass loop or a bypass channel. As illustrated, the filtered fluidoutflow path 825 is located along the central axis of the standpipe 820and the bypass flow path 830 is located radially outward of the filteredfluid outflow path 825. Alternatively, the bypass flow path 830 can belocated radially inward of the filtered fluid outflow path 825. Thefiltered fluid outflow path 825 provides a filtered fluid to a highpressure pump at the outlet 840 of the filter housing 802. The bypassflow path 830 is in fluid communication with a return outlet 845 thatmay return fluid to a fluid tank/reservoir.

The bypass flow path 830 is sealed to prevent fluid flow when a fluidfilter 805 including the bypass seal 915A is installed in the filterhousing 802. The filtered fluid outflow path 825 receives the filteredfluid when a compliant filter is installed in the filter housing 802.When a non-compliant filter is installed in the filter housing 802, thebypass seal 915A is not present to seal the bypass flow path 830.Accordingly, fluid flows through both the filtered fluid outflow path825 and the bypass flow path 830. As a result, the fluid flow to thehigh pressure pump is at an insufficient pressure and flow rate to, forexample, run an internal combustion engine. In other embodiments, thebypass seal 915A may be located on the standpipe 820 and form a sealwith a surface on the fluid filter 805.

The filter housing 802 includes a drain 843. The drain 843 is configuredand arranged to be sealed by the drain seal 915B when the fluid filter805 is in the installed configuration. If the fluid filter 805 isremoved from the filter housing 802, the drain seal 915B does notprevent fluid flow from the drain 843. Accordingly, when the fluidfilter 805 is uninstalled, the fluid within the filter housing 802drains to the fluid tank/reservoir via drain 843, which is in fluidcommunication with the return outlet 845. The drain seal 915B may be anO-ring, a radial seal, or the like. In some embodiments, the drainfeature may be located on the standpipe 820 (e.g., a plurality ofapertures (1150) as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B). In otherembodiments, the drain feature may be located between the standpipe 820and the filter housing 802.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the fluid filter 805,according to some embodiments.

The filter media 905 is generally configured to receive an unfilteredfluid, retain unwanted contaminants (e.g., solid particulates, water,etc.), and output a filtered fluid. The filter media 905 may, forexample, be composed of paper, cardboard, felt, or other similarmaterials. The material for the filter media 905 may be dependent uponthe type of fluid being filtered.

The fluid filter 805 includes a closed endplate 910A and an openendplate 910B. The endplates 910A and 910B provide structural supportfor the filter media 905. The filter media 905 may be attached to theendplates 910A and 910B in a variety of ways, including, but not limitedto, embedding the filter media 905 into the endplates 910A and 910B orusing an adhesive. The endplates 910A and 910B may be made of plastic oranother suitable material that is compatible with the fluid beingfiltered.

The closed endplate 910A generally does not have any apertures throughwhich fluid being filtered may flow. The closed endplate 910A mayinclude an aperture through which gas (e.g., air) may be bled from theNFNR fluid filter assembly 800 and returned to, for example, a fluidtank/reservoir. In some embodiments, a surface of the closed endplate910A may be in contact with an end of a standpipe 820 when the fluidfilter 805 is installed in the filter housing 802. The closed endplate910A may include the bypass seal 915A. The bypass seal 915A may be anO-ring, a radial seal, or the like. The bypass seal 915A may be locatedon any component within the NFNR fluid filter assembly 800. For example,the bypass seal may be disposed on the fluid filter 805, the closedendplate 910A, etc.

The open endplate 910B is open and may receive the standpipe 820. Theopen endplate 910B includes a drain seal 915B. The drain seal 915B isdisposed near the opening of the open endplate 910B and may seal a drainfeature of the filter housing 802. The drain seal 915B, when installed,prevents fluid from flowing to the return outlet 845 via a drain 843during use of the NFNR fluid filter assembly 800. When the fluid filter805 is to be removed from the filter housing 802 (e.g., to clean thefilter, to replace the filter, etc.), the removal of the drain seal 915Bfrom the drain 843 allows fluid to return to the tank/reservoir. Thisdrain seal 915B may prevent fluid from spilling out of the filterhousing 802 when removing the fluid filter 805. The drain seal 915B maybe an O-ring, a radial seal, or the like. In some embodiments, the drainfeature may be located on the standpipe 820 (e.g., a plurality ofapertures (1150) as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B). In otherembodiments, the drain feature may be located between the standpipe 820and the filter housing 802.

A center tube 930 is located within an interior portion of the fluidfilter 805. The center tube 930 has a smaller diameter than the interiorportion of the fluid filter 805. The diameter of the center tube 930 islarger than the diameter of the standpipe so that the center tubesurrounds the standpipe 820 when the fluid filter 805 is installed. Thecenter tube 930 provides a structure that may prevent the filter media905 from deforming under pressure when the NFNR fluid filter assembly800 is in use.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the standpipe 820,according to some embodiments. The standpipe 820 includes the filteredfluid outflow path 825 and the bypass flow path 830. An inlet aperture1005 is configured and arranged to receive a filtered fluid and is influid communication with the filtered fluid outflow path 825. A bypassinlet aperture 1010 is configured and arranged to receive a filteredfluid when a neon-compliant filter is installed. Accordingly, the bypassinlet aperture 1010 is in fluid communication with the bypass flow path830. In some embodiments, the location and diameter of the apertures1005 and 1010 may vary. The number of apertures 1005 and 1010 may varyas well. For example, the inlet aperture 1005 may include a plurality ofapertures and/or the bypass inlet aperture 1010 may include a pluralityof apertures.

A first end of the standpipe 820 includes tapered interior walls 1015.The tapered interior walls 1015 may allow for easier installation of thefluid filter 805 over the standpipe 820. The tapered interior walls 1015provide a surface to receive the bypass seal 915A. In some embodiments,the bypass seal 915A may alternatively be disposed on the exterior ofthe standpipe 820.

A second end of the standpipe 820 is threaded. The threads areconfigured and arranged such that the standpipe 820 may be installed inthe filter housing 802. In some embodiments, the second end is notthreaded and instead relies on a press-fit or other similar means ofsecurely installing the standpipe 820 in the filter housing 802.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate air NFNR fluid filter assembly 1100including a filter housing 1102 with an installed fluid filter 1105,according to some embodiments. Aspects of FIGS. 11A and 11B may be thesame as or similar to aspects of FIGS. 8-10. In some embodiments, afilter housing may also be referred to as a filter head. The fluidfilter 1105 includes a center tube 1130. The center tube 1130 includes abypass seal 1115A and a drain seal 1115B. The bypass seal 1115A anddrain seal 1115B function similarly to the bypass seal 915A and thedrain seal 915B. The bypass seal 1115A and drain seal 1115B illustratealternative locations of the seals 915A and 915B. The bypass seal 1115Aand the drain seal 1115B may be an O-ring a radial seal, or the like.The standpipe 1120 also includes a plurality of apertures 1150 disposednear a bottom end of the standpipe 1120. Similar to the drain featuredescribed in accordance with FIGS. 8-10 above, the plurality ofapertures 1150 are configured to return fuel to a tank/reservoir whenthe fluid filter 1105 is removed from the filter housing 1102.

FIG. 12 illustrates an NFNR fluid filter assembly 1200 including afilter housing 1202 with an installed fluid filter 1205, according tosome embodiments. Aspects of FIG. 12 may be the same as or similar toaspects of FIGS. 8-11. In some embodiments, a filter housing may also bereferred to as a filter head or the like. The fluid filter 1205 includesa closed endplate 1110A. The closed endplate 1110A functions similarlyto the closed endplate 910A. The closed endplate 1110A includes a bypassseal 1115A. The bypass seal 1115A functions similarly to the bypass seal915A. The bypass seal 1115A illustrates an alternative location of theseal 915A. The bypass seal 1115A may be an O-ring, a radial seal, or thelike.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate an NFNR fluid filter assembly 1300 including afilter head 1305 and a fluid filter 1310, according to some embodiments.Generally, the NFNR fluid filter assembly 1300 is configured andarranged such that when a non-compliant filter (e.g., lacking a bypassseal, etc.) is installed, a fluid output from the filter head 1305 is ata pressure and flow rate that are insufficient to, for example, run aninternal combustion engine. A flow path of the fluid being filtered inthe NFNR fluid filter assembly 1300 is determined based on whether acompliant or a non-compliant filter is installed. A flow path of thefluid being filtered in the NFNR fluid filter assembly 1300 may also bedetermined based on whether a compliant filter is in an installed or anuninstalled position.

As illustrated, the NFNR fluid filter assembly 1300 may be used forremoving a contaminant (e.g., solid particulates, water, etc.) from fuel(e.g., diesel fuel, etc.) before outputting the fuel to a high pressurepump (not shown) and consequently injecting the fuel into a combustionchamber of an internal combustion engine (not shown). Aspects of theNFNR fluid filter assembly may be included in a fluid filtration systemother than a fuel filtration system, such as oil filtration, hydraulicfluid filtration, coolant filtration, or the like. The NFNR fluid filterassembly 1300 may be configured for use in applications that include aninternal combustion engine as well as in applications that do notinclude an internal combustion engine.

The filter head 1305 includes an input port 1320, an output port 1325,and a bypass port 1330. A filter head may also be referred to as afilter housing. The filter head 1305 may be configured to includeadditional ports. The filter head 1305 includes a mounting boss 1315that may be securely connected to a nutplate 1505 in order to securelyconnect the filter head 1305 and the fluid filter 1310. As illustrated,the mounting boss 1315 is threaded. The mounting boss 1315 may include adifferent type of connection, such as a press-fit or other similarmethod of securely connecting the filter head 1305 and the fluid filter1310. The filter head 1305 may be made of a metal, a metal alloy, aplastic, or another suitable material. The material may be dependentupon the application in which the NFNR fluid filter assembly 1300 is tobe installed.

The fluid filter 1310 is a spin-on type filter. The fluid filter 1310includes an outer shell 1510, a filter media 1515, a bypass seal 1520, aleak seal 1525, a filtered fluid seal 1530, a spring 1535, and anutplate 1505. The filter media 1515 is generally configured to receivean unfiltered fluid, retain unwanted contaminants (e.g., solidparticulates, water, etc.), and output a filtered fluid. The filtermedia 1515 may, for example, be composed of paper, cardboard, felt, orother similar materials. Endplates at first and second ends of thefilter media 1515 may provide structural support to the filter media1515. The material for the filter media 1515 may be dependent upon thetype of fluid being filtered. The spring 1535 is configured to provide aforce on the filter media 1515 to maintain the filter media 1515 in theproper location when the fluid filter 1310 is securely connected to thefilter head 1305.

The input port 1320 receives an unfiltered fluid. The unfiltered fluidis filtered by the fluid filter 1310 and output to the output port 1325when a compliant filter is installed. The compliant filter includes thebypass seal 1520 which prevents the cleaned fluid from flowing to thebypass port 1330. The bypass port 1330 may be connected in fluidcommunication with a bypass flow path that, for example, returns fluidto a fluid tank/reservoir. When the bypass seal 1520 is present, theoutflow from the fluid filter 1310 is provided to the output port 1325,which is in fluid communication with a high pressure pump (not shown).When the bypass seal 1520 is not present, the outflow from the fluidfilter 1310 is provided to the output port 1325 and the bypass port1330. In some embodiments, the bypass seal 1520 can be located on thefilter head 1305 while in other embodiments the bypass seal 1520 can belocated on the fluid filter 1310. In other embodiments, the bypass seal1520 may be located inside the fluid filter 1310. For example, thebypass seal 1520 may be located between the end plates of the filtermedia 1515 and may be in a central portion of the fluid filter 1310 oran outer portion of the fluid filter 1310, As a result, the pressure andflow rate of the fluid provided to the high pressure pump areinsufficient to, for example, run an internal combustion engine.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the fluid filter 1310, according tosome embodiments. As shown in the figure, the fluid filter 1310 includesa first plurality of apertures 1605, a second plurality of apertures1610, a central aperture 1615, a bypass seal 1520, a leak seal 1525, anda filtered fluid seal 1530. The first plurality of apertures 1605 may beconfigured to receive an unfiltered fluid. The second plurality ofapertures 1610 may be configured to output a filtered fluid. The centralaperture 1615 may be configured as a bypass outlet. The configuration ofthe apertures 1605, 1610, and 1615 may be modified depending upon theapplication. For example, the first plurality of apertures 1605 may beconfigured to output a filtered fluid. The configuration may, forexample, be dependent on the type of fluid to be filtered as well as thetype of fluid filter (e.g., inside-out, outside-in, etc.). Theconfiguration may also be dependent on the configuration of the filterhead 1305 and the ports 1320, 1325, and 1330.

At the outer periphery of the fluid filter 1310 is the leak seal 1525.The leak seal 1525 may prevent fluid from leaking out of the NFNR fluidfilter assembly 1300. Radially inward of the first plurality ofapertures is the filtered fluid seal 1530. The filtered fluid seal 1530may prevent the filtered fluid and the unfiltered fluid from mixing. Thebypass seal 1520 is configured to prevent the filtered fluid outflowfrom flowing to the bypass port 1330. The configuration and location ofthe seals 1520, 1525, and 1530 is dependent upon the configuration andlocation of the apertures 1605, 1610, and 1615. For example, the bypassseal 1520 may be located on the filter head 1305 instead of on the fluidfilter 1310. The seals 1520, 1525, and 1530 may be O-rings, radialseals, or the like.

According to one embodiment, a method of designing a fluid filter foruse with a filter housing or filter head is provided. The fluid filterincludes a filter media with a filtered fluid side and an unfilteredfluid side, a first endplate, and a second endplate. The filter housingor filter head include a bypass flow path. The fluid filter has aninstalled position and an uninstalled position relative to the filterhousing or the filter head. In the installed position, a seal that sealsbetween the filter and the filter housing or filter head seals theunfiltered fluid side from the filtered fluid side. In the installedposition, a bypass seal seals between the fluid filter and the filterhousing or filter head to seal the bypass flow path and restrict flow offluid through the bypass flow path. When the fluid filter is in theuninstalled position or an incorrectly designed fluid filter isinstalled, the bypass flow path is opened to allow flow of fluid throughthe bypass flow path.

According to another embodiment, a method of providing a fluid filterfor use with a filter housing or a filter head is provided. The fluidfilter includes a filter media with a filtered fluid side and anunfiltered fluid side, a first endplate, and a second endplate. Thefilter housing or filter head includes a bypass flow path. The fluidfilter has an installed position and an uninstalled position relative tothe filter housing or the filter head. In the installed position, a sealthat seals between the filter and the filter housing or filter headseals the unfiltered fluid side from the filtered fluid side. In theinstalled position, a bypass seal seals between the fluid filter and thefilter housing or filter head to seal the bypass flow path and restrictflow of fluid through the bypass flow path. When the fluid filter is inthe uninstalled position or an incorrectly designed fluid filter isinstalled, the bypass flow path is opened to allow flow of fluid throughthe bypass flow path.

According to one embodiment, a no filter no run (NFNR) fluid filterassembly configured for a low pressure fluid filtration system isprovided. The fluid filter assembly includes a fluid filter having abypass seal, a filter head including a sealing surface, and a bypassport. The bypass seal is configured to form a seating engagement withthe sealing surface when the fluid filter is installed in the filterbead and may prevent a fluid flow through the bypass port.

According to another embodiment, a fluid filter is provided. The fluidfilter includes filter media with a Filtered fluid side and anunfiltered fluid side, a first endplate, a second endplate, a first sealthat seals the unfiltered fluid side from the filtered fluid side, and abypass seal. The bypass seal is arranged to sealingly engage with abypass channel to restrict flow of fluid through a bypass channel of afilter head or filter housing.

The terminology used herein is intended to describe particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a,” “an,” and“the” include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicatedotherwise. The terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used herein,specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components.

With regard to the preceding description, it is to be understood thatchanges may be made in detail, especially in matters of the constructionmaterials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. The word“embodiment” as used herein may, but does not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only.Other and further embodiments may be devised without departing from thebasic scope thereof, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosurebeing indicated by the claims that follow.

What is claimed:
 1. A fluid filter cartridge comprising: a filter mediahaving a filtered fluid side and an unfiltered fluid side; a firstendplate; a second endplate; and a bypass seal; wherein the filter mediais disposed between the first endplate and the second endplate, thefluid filter cartridge is configured to be disposed within a filterhousing, the filter housing including a bypass flow outlet, the bypassseal configured to block fluid flow to the bypass flow outlet when thefluid filter cartridge is disposed in the filter housing; and whereinthe first endplate is a closed endplate and the bypass seal is disposedon an axially-extending internal surface of the first endplate.
 2. Thefluid filter cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a center tubeextending between the first endplate and the second endplate.
 3. Thefluid filter cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first endplate includesan opening configured to engage a standpipe of the filter housing. 4.The fluid filter cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a drain sealconfigured to block fluid flow to a drain of the filter housing when thefluid filter cartridge is disposed in the filter housing.
 5. A fluidfilter assembly, comprising: a fluid filter cartridge including: afilter media having a filtered fluid side and an unfiltered fluid side;a first endplate; a second endplate; and a bypass seal; and a filterhousing including: a housing cover; a housing base; a fluid inlet; afluid outlet; and a bypass flow outlet; wherein the filter media isdisposed between the first endplate and the second endplate, the fluidfilter cartridge is configured to be disposed within the filter housing,and the bypass seal is configured to block fluid flow to the bypass flowoutlet when the fluid filter cartridge is disposed in the filterhousing; and wherein the first endplate is a closed endplate and thebypass seal is disposed on an internal surface of the first endplate. 6.The fluid filter assembly of claim 5, wherein the housing base furthercomprises a standpipe including a bypass flow path and a fluid outflowpath configured to supply fluid flow to the fluid outlet.
 7. The fluidfilter assembly of claim 6, wherein the standpipe includes tapered wallsconfigured to engage the bypass seal.
 8. The fluid filter assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the housing base further comprises a drain outlet, andthe fluid filter cartridge further comprises a drain seal.
 9. The fluidfilter assembly of claim 5, wherein the filter housing further comprisesa plurality of structures, and the fluid filter cartridge furthercomprises a plurality of surfaces configured to engage the plurality ofstructures such that the fluid filter cartridge is properly locatedwithin the filter housing.
 10. The fluid filter assembly of claim 5,wherein the fluid outlet is configured to supply filtered fuel to anengine.
 11. The fluid filter assembly of claim 5, wherein the bypassflow outlet is configured to supply a bypass fluid flow to at least oneof a fuel tank or a fuel transfer pump.
 12. The fluid filter assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the fluid filter cartridge is a fuel filter, andwherein the bypass flow outlet is configured such that, in the absenceof the fluid filter cartridge, an amount of fuel that flows through thefluid outlet is insufficient to start or run an engine.
 13. The fluidfilter assembly of claim 5, wherein the fluid filter cartridge is a fuelfilter, and wherein the bypass flow outlet is configured such that, whenthe bypass seal blocks fuel flow through the bypass flow outlet, anamount of fuel that flows through the fluid outlet is sufficient tostart or run an engine.
 14. The fluid filter assembly of claim 5,wherein the housing base is configured to connect to the housing coverby a threaded connection.